The Ghan - Adelaide to Darwin

Itinerary

Available 2024 Departures with Gold Twin Cabins

Off Train Experiences

Marla

While you may not have heard of outback town Marla before, it’s fair to say it’s worth the early start just to see the sunrise over this South Australian desert landscape.

Located closer to Alice Springs than Adelaide, Marla is just shy of 1000 kilometres into the journey. The train arrives in the dark and guests are welcome to step off to stretch their legs as the sun light slowly bathes the surrounding outback and start their day with a steaming mug of coffee and bacon and egg roll.

Take a moment to enjoy the stillness on this short 45 minute stop with the promise of the day stretching before you. Re-board the train (you can even hop back into bed!) and brunch will be served from 10am.

Alice Springs

SIMPSONS GAP DISCOVERY WALK

A magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together, the Simpsons Gap area incorporates large stands of Mulga and is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants. Here you will enjoy walks that pass the native plants of the area including ancient Ghost Gums and views of the range.

Known as Rungutjirpa to the Indigenous, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site. Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness as you watch the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breath-taking display of stark form and rich colour.

The Simpsons Gap walks are on a natural site. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the walk is safe for everyone, we do insist that all walkers are of high fitness, do wear appropriate footwear, carry a water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Katherine - Choice of one of the following (limited availability on each tour)

NITMILUK FIRST GORGE ART CRUISE

As a more relaxed cruise experience, your guide will share some of the ancient secrets of the region as you gently cruise down the First Gorge, witnessing the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and sheer drops that reach amazing heights.

Listen to Dreamtime stories about the creation and significance the Gorge played in the lives of its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.

Take a short walk to the top of the First Gorge to visit a stunning Indigenous rock art site where artwork remains even after thousands of years exposed to the elements. These works are ancient evidence of the existence of the Jawoyn culture in the area during the last Ice Age.

NITMILUK GORGE CRUISE

Cruise down Katherine River as the large rock formations of the Gorge tower over the calm water. Nitmiluk is home to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and many of their stories centre around the Gorge.

Calls of the cicada resonate across the water between the massive sandstone cliffs while you cruise down the First and Second Gorges listening to stories about how the Gorge came to be named. The sheer walls of the Gorge, etched by time and the elements, are home to a myriad of plant and animal life, much of it unique to this area and all playing a role to the lives of its traditional owners.

A walk of approximately 500 metres over rocky terrain is required in both directions between the First and Second Gorges. It is suggested a good level of mobility is required to participate in this experience.

NITMILUK GORGE HELICOPTER FLIGHT

OPTIONAL UPGRADE - $230 PER PERSON (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

While science suggests that this stunning landscape was carved over the millennia by the elements, the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people, believe that the Gorge system was created by Bula. The most important figure in Jawoyn dreaming stories, Bula and his two wives hunted across this land and in doing so he transformed the landscape through his actions.

Take a helicopter flight to fully appreciate the sheer enormity of the river. As you fly over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow the path of Bula as you move through the region as he did. A view from the air is the best way to appreciate the complexity of the system that makes up Nitmiluk Gorge.

As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $230 per person will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Package terms

*Advance purchase is subject to availability and is yield managed, not available on all departures. Only available on departures 6 months in advance. Advance Purchase fares payment in full is required at time of booking. Special Offer Fares are instant purchase fares and immediate payment at the time of booking is required. These special offers may also have different terms and conditions relating to when payment is due, cancellation of bookings and whether or not amendments can be made to the booking.